Sea salt filters pollution from the ocean and likewise, it purifies the blood. Humans have historically consumed it and deemed it important, naming it "the fifth element" and "white gold."

When commercial methods of refining were discovered, salt began to be processed into a white, starchy powder by isolating sodium chloride from other minerals and trace elements found in the original product. The sodium content of refined salt in relation to other elements is therefore much higher than that of natural salt, and unnaturally high.

Unprocessed salts contain numerous trace minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and iodine. There's a whole world of salts out there, some with different colors such as red or grey, reflecting their diverse mineral structure.

"I tend to choose less refined salts because I don't need it to be free of irregularities of color," said Nancy Ludwig, a professor of nutrition at Chemeketa Community College. "Many of us aren't getting enough minerals and every little place where we can get more counts. If I add mineral-rich salts to a soup, I get a more nutritious soup. Every time we make a better choice makes a difference over time."

Some people may be afraid of lessening their consumption of iodized salt, and therefore not consuming enough iodine in their diets, but there are several other sources of iodine. The mineral is derived from the ocean, so seafood, seaweed and sea salt contain it. Soils that were once covered by the ocean are rich in iodine and any food grown in them is a good source. Animal products also contain iodine. Unnatural sources include processed foods and products from animals fed iodine-enriched diets.

Salt is iodized to prevent hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid). The thyroid gland, an organ that regulates our metabolism, needs only a small amount of iodine to function, but thyroid problems are extremely common. The Center for Disease Control has categorized the Northwest as having a pandemic of thyroid problems, despite widespread consumption of iodized salt for decades. These can be caused not only by mineral deficiencies, but by prolonged emotional stress, severe shock, and also by an excessive intake of iodine.

Having the right amount of iodine is crucial. One teaspoon of iodized salt contains about 180% of the recommended daily allowance of iodine. Consuming more iodine than the body can handle usually leads to hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which in turn can lead to infertility, miscarriages, premature development, premature aging, depression and immune disorders. It can also cause hypothyroidism, the disease iodized salt is supposed to prevent.

"Any kind of mineral taken in excess will have a harmful effect on the body," advised Gary Taylor, D.C. and nutritionist at Salem's New Beginnings chiropractic clinic.

On the other hand, too little iodine can cause goiter and stunted development. Only 10% of the iodine from unnaturally iodized salt is bioavailable, or used by the body.

"In my 26 years of practice, only two people have passed the iodine deficiency test. The problem is that their digestive system is not working properly and not absorbing adequate nutrients, mostly because of the consumption of processed foods," Taylor said. "I recommend unrefined salt, because the more doctored the foods you eat, the more you're going to need to be doctored."

Dextrose (corn sugar) is often added to salt in order to stabilize the potassium iodide, the additive used to iodize salt. This compound usually comes from artificial sources and sometimes from radioactive sources. Anti-caking agents are also added, usually calcium silicate, which is also used as an antacid in pharmaceuticals. These agents prevent salt from mixing with water in the package, or with our blood, where it belongs.

"Sodium is what makes the heart go, what causes the passage of fat, all nerve reactions. It's necessary for everything in our life," Taylor said.

The body can't produce sodium on its own, so we need to eat it.

Even Jesus advised his disciples to consume it: "Salt is good. Therefore, have salt in yourselves, and live at peace with one another" (Mark 9:50).